Spicy "Hoppin" John Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
8 c. water
1 can (16 oz.) tomatoes
8 oz. hot sausage
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 Tbsp. salt
2 or 3 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. dried crushed basil leaves
1 bay leaf
1 c. cooked Minute rice

Preparation

Soak peas in water overnight or bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
Let stand for 1 hour.
Drain tomatoes, reserve liquid, then chop tomatoes.
Add tomatoes and liquid to peas.
Add remaining ingredients, except rice and meat.
Cover and cook on low heat 3 to 4 hours or until peas are tender.
Dice cooked meat and return to peas.
Add cooked rice, cover and simmer 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaf.
Serve.
It's delicious!